Professional Photography as a Career
The IIE’s Vega School for Brand Communication including the National College of Photography has established two programmes aimed at providing meaningful education in disciplines relevant to the contemporary world of photography and associated fields. The skills and understanding developed in this process will allow students to perform a range of practical photographic tasks from a well oriented intellectual perspective.
The courses have evolved with input from the professional photographic community, thereby staying in tune to the constantly changing requirements of the industry.
Higher Certificate in Photography
Advances in digital technologies with regard to photography, web-design and associated disciplines have spearheaded the convergence of these previously disassociated fields. The Higher Certificate programme will provide students with the required competencies necessary to be effective in careers such as professional photographic assistance; photographic retail representatives; social and events photography; newspaper, magazines and publication photography; graphic and web design photography; photographic lab assistance and management.
Advanced Certificate in Professional Photography*
This specialised Advanced Certificate programme is aimed at individuals who already have a foundation in the basic principles of photography and wish to broaden and intensify their understanding and abilities. The programme aims to provide students with the skills required to establish and manage their own professional photographic practice. The premise is that enrolling students are well grounded in the fundamental principles of photography, allowing the programme to explore more in-depth and advanced content, with a greater emphasis on honing students’ practical skills and fostering their creative talents. A key objective of the course is to encourage students to develop their own photographic style and specialisation in a particular field. Integrated into the specialisation of practical skills are business components which will assist students with the creation of business models relevant to their chosen field.
*Intended for delivery in 2010 – Pending accreditation by The Council on Higher Education, registration on the National Qualifications Framework and approval by The Department of Education. This Advanced Certificate Programme will be awarded by the Independent Institute of Education.
Equipment Requirements
Specific cameras and accessories listed below are required for the course. A student, who already owns equipment, must confirm with the institution that these will be adequate and acceptable.
- A 35mm single lens reflex film camera body capable of full manual operation with a built in light meter.
- A 35mm single lens reflex digital camera body.
- When purchasing these cameras, ensure that both cameras are of the same brand and lens mount to allow lenses to be interchangeable between bodies.
- Excellent quality lenses covering a minimum of 28mm through to 300mm focal lengths. These may be two zoom lenses or a series of fixed focal length lenses. A single zoom lens of 28 - 200mm is not recommended.
Please note that many of the cameras offered by large retailers will be available in a kit form of both camera and lens together. It is important to be aware that many of the lenses that are available with digital cameras will not be suitable for use on your film camera.
- Professional heavy duty tripod with a suitable head.
- Hand-held light meter with three functions (Reflective, Incident, Flash reading) and a multi-flash facility.
- Electronic flash unit with manual vari-power output control and a guide number of 40 plus.
- Cable or electronic release.
- Sundry filters and accessories can be purchased as required during the course of the year.
Curriculum
Module 1 - Introduction to Photography: Theory and Techniques
Familiarises students with the basic elements of the photographic medium. It assumes that the learners have no prior knowledge of photography. Students are exposed to, and perform basic practical photography techniques.
Module 2 - Characteristics of Light: Theory and Techniques
Provide learners with the theoretical knowledge of the qualities and characteristics of light to enable its manipulation and control in various applied situations. The nature and behaviour of light is explored from the perspective of its physical attributes and its influence on the subject. These techniques are first dealt with as separate units and thereafter learners are required to synthesize these concepts by using combinations of these techniques in one situation.
Module 3 - Introduction to Visual Communication for Photographers
Familiarise the student with established concepts and guidelines in composition, visual design and visual communication. While the development of this skill is practiced continuously in all practical assignments for the duration of the course, this subject provides the core outcomes that support students in achieving this.
Module 4 - Photographic Assignments: Theory and Application
Investigates and explores the various disciplines of the photographic industry. The operation, requirements, skills and business involved in each of these specialised genres are investigated together with specialised lighting and other equipment for each field. Students are introduced to the pre-visualisation, planning and execution stages through practical application.
Module 5 - Digital Imaging
Provides students with a core understanding of the digital imaging tools utilised in the photographic industry, specifically the most commonly used software, Adobe ® Photoshop ®. The subject introduces students to the basic theory and application of Adobe ® Photoshop ® and aims to integrate digital knowledge and the photographic skills of the student into one seamless process.
Module 6 - Business Practice and Entrepreneurship
Focuses on entrepreneurial skills, especially in the context of a small business enterprise. These skills are essential for the commercial application of photography. It covers the basics of financial management, marketing, and methods of trading.
Module 7 - Experiential Portfolio
Aimed at simulating a real-life workplace situation and increase knowledge, develop skills, and clarify the role of the photographer in the workplace. In addition, students are required to assemble a portfolio. The portfolio is a showcase of their best work that can be viewed by prospective clients and employers.
Delivery Locations
The College instructs from the IIE’s four Vega campuses in South Africa . The programme will be delivered at the following campuses in 2010, subject to the approvals of the CHE and the Department of Education:
- Johannesburg - Bordeaux
- Pretoria - Hatfield
- Durban - Westville
- Cape Town - Greenpoint
Fees
Available on request.
Entrance Requirements
A NSC/SC (National Senior Certificate with a minimum of 30% in English / Senior Certificate) or equivalent; or Mature status; or Prior learning recognition
Further Requirements
Should you wish to continue with your application, please note that the following needs to be submitted:
- Certified copy of your NSC/SC or, if not available yet, a statement of results in the interim
- Certified copy of your ID
- Copies of any additional qualification obtained, if applicable
- Two letters of reference from previous teachers, mentors or employers
- All applicants will be interviewed
- SAQA evaluation of foreign qualification and valid study permit at registration if a foreign student
- Sworn translation of qualification if qualification is not in English
Acceptance
Acceptance is determined from information provided on the enrolment application, a portfolio submission and a personal interview.
International Students
A good working knowledge of English, both oral and written, is essential.
Accommodation
The College does not offer accommodation, however affordable residential accommodation of various standards is available within a short distance of the campuses.
Student Numbers
Enrolment numbers are limited so early application is recommended.
Please contact any of our campuses directly for more information and an application form.
Contact numbers:
- Cape Town : 021 425 7591
- Pretoria : 012 342 4770
- Bordeaux : 011 326 3486
- Durban : 031 266 2595
